Commander Leon Lacy Pierce, USN, Retired, 97, of Salisbury, died Monday, May 20, 2024, at Autumn Care of Salisbury.

He was born July 3, 1926, in Davidson County, to the late Lacy and Dora Myers Pierce. Mr. Pierce worked his way up from Seaman Recruit to Chief Petty Officer and then on up to Commander, a very rare accomplishment.  He fought in WWII in the Pacific, notably at Okinawa. His service also encompassed the Korean Conflict and Vietnam eras. He ended his 30-year career in a senior staff position in Washington, D.C. In early retirement, Commander and Mrs. Pierce vacationed in Europe, South America, Asia, and of course Florida.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five siblings.

Survivors include wife, Dorothy Pierce; children, Rita Elizabeth Pierce, Gerald Lynn Pierce, and Randall Leon Pierce (Sharon); and two grandchildren, Corbin Pierce, and Drew Pierce.

A graveside service will be conducted at 10 a.m., Friday, May 31, at Salisbury National Cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends and relatives from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, May 30, at Lambert Funeral Home.

Online condolences www.lambertfuneralhomenc.com